周邦彦:满庭芳
Zhou Bangyan (1056-1121): to the tune “Fragrance filling the hall”
风老莺雏,雨肥梅子,午阳嘉树清圆。
Wind raises the oriol’s chicks, rain manures the plum sprouts, midday sun makes trees grow, clearing and rounding.
地卑山近,衣润费炉烟。
The ground is flat, the mountains near, wet clothes damping over the fire.
人静乌鸢自乐,小桥外,新绿溅溅。
As man is quiet, the kites play happily. Outside the small bridge, new green in gurgling water.
凭阑久,黄芦苦竹,疑泛九江船。
Leaning upon a balustrade, amidst yellow gourds and withered bamboo, I ask myself if the ship will reach Jiujiang.
年年,如社燕,飘流瀚海,来寄修椽。
Year after year, like migrating swallows, like the floating desert, they come under my eaves.
且莫思身外,长近尊前。
But never think at outside of your self, if long or short, rever the ancient.
憔悴江南倦客,不堪听,急管繁弦。
Emaciated and tired are the guests from the south, let them hear music, play flutes and lutes,
歌筳畔,先安枕簟,容我醉时眠。
Make a banquet on the fields; first prepare their mats and pillows, and let us only sleep when we are drunk.